Ways of Being and Doing
Welh wa kwéyin̓tsutcht
The theme Ways of Being and Doing speaks to how we access, honour, and share our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ways of being including our culture, language, and history. In other words: all that makes us the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, including our history, culture, language, spirituality, and connections to each other. This theme celebrates us as people and ensures we pass our teachings to our children and future generations.
ASPIRATIONAL GOAL:
Within a generation, all Sḵwx̱wú7mesh members, families, and communities can connect and have access to our history, our culture, and our language – everywhere, every day.
What's Important
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim: Our Language
Members want to create accessible physical virtual spaces to practice and learn language, develop the technology to support learning language, and have funding to support language learning programming.
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Online language learning opportunities for those away from home
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Squamish language app and keyboard on phones
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Hire Squamish Speakers to work in the schools, library, and study hall
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Have language classes online and in the school curriculum
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Provide funding for accessible language programs for all members to access.
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Build a Language Nest for members to learn and practice together
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Have the Squamish language be present everywhere – on signage, online, in documents, in music, films and books
Snew̓íyelh: Our Cultural Practices, Learning, and Wellbeing
Members want to create spaces and programs to support wellbeing, healing, spirituality, and ceremony. They value increased connection to each other and to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture, and to land.
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More opportunities for those living off-reserve to participate in culture and ceremony, especially for Elders
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Promote storytelling as a way of teaching & learning
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Encourage intergenerational land-based learning
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Build a cultural centre and longhouse
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Have more cultural events with food, song, dancing and drums
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Build connections between Elders and youth to share teachings
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Hold more cultural workshops and programs
Nexwní w: Our History
Members shared ideas about being proud and making visible their history through celebration and sharing. They want to teach the four eras of Squamish history and make them accessible and available to all members.
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Build public art projects in the Squamish Valley
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Host a ‘West Coast’ night at Totem Hall and invite all other Nations to celebrate our culture
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Teach Squamish history to members of all ages
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Put welcome figures at village entrances
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Share our history through storytelling
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Document and share our history virtually so it can be accessed by those living away from home and youth
Tell us what you think!
Share your feedback – did we get it right? Do you see your ideas reflected here? Add your comments below.
